Skip to main content

California bill cracking down on colleges hiring sexual harassers awaits governor’s signature

The bill – AB 810 – targets “pass the harasser” policies – a well-known practice referred to by the Chronicle of Higher Education as “higher ed’s worst-kept secret.”

A California bill aimed at preventing the state’s public colleges and universities from hiring known sexual abusers has passed out of the legislature and is awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature.

The bill — AB 810 — targets “pass the harasser” practices — which the Chronicle of Higher Education has called “higher ed’s worst-kept secret.”

Currently, a college professor, administrator or other staff member found to have committed sexual misconduct on campus can resign and get a new job at a different institution without those accusations ever coming up in the hiring process.